crisis

1a time of great danger, difficulty, or confusion when problems must be solved or important decisions must be madea political/financial crisisthe government's latest economic crisisThe business is still in crisis but it has survived the worst of the recession.The party was facing an identity crisis.an expert in crisis managementWe provide help to families in crisis situations.In times of crisis I know which friends I can turn to.The party was suffering a crisis of confidence among its supporters (= they did not trust it any longer).see alsomidlife crisis

2a time when a problem, a bad situation, or an illness is at its worst pointTheir marriage has reached a crisis point.The fever has passed its crisis.see alsocritical